After cutting off more of Harvard‘s funding on Wednesday, the Trump administration has now warned the University that it may lose its ability to enroll foreign students. The IRS is also considering taking away Harvard’s tax-exempt status. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had announced the termination of two DHS grants to Harvard that totalled more than $2.7 million.
Noem on Wednesday said that she gave a deadline of April 30 to the University where she demanded them to submit records on “illegal and violent activities” that Harvard’s foreign exchange students were engaged in.
Noem said so in a letter to the University which was obtained by the New York Post. The letter addressed to the university’s director of immigration services stated, “It is a privilege to have foreign students attend Harvard University, not a guarantee.”
The DHS chief said the US government is aware that Harvard depends greatly on funding from over 10,000 international students to grow and sustain its large endowment. Noem also pointed out that the University has allowed a “hostile environment” for Jewish students by not strongly speaking out against antisemitism.
Earlier this week, Harvard said it would not comply with the demands from the Trump administration aimed at restricting antisemitism on campus. In response to which, the White House blocked access to $2.2 billion in long-term grants and $60 million in contracts.
Noem strongly criticised Harvard’s leadership and said that this could damage national security. She claimed that the university no longer holds its former reputation as a top school because of the rise of extreme views on campus.
She also warned that if Harvard doesn’t meet the administration’s latest demands by April 30, the school could lose its approval to enroll international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
IRS may revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status: Report
The IRS is thinking about taking away Harvard’s tax-exempt status, according to three people who know about the situation, reported New York Times. This would be a big step in the Trump administration’s efforts to cut off federal funding and support for the university.
Trump on Tuesday that Harvard should start paying taxes. His administration has also been pressuring the school to change how it hires staff, admits students, and designs its courses.
Two sources said that some IRS officials told coworkers the Treasury Department asked the IRS on Wednesday to look into removing Harvard’s tax exemption. These sources spoke anonymously because they were discussing private conversations.